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With many headlines sounding the death knell for cash, its popularity and use continues to endure robustly, according to the October 2018 Money Statistics, produced by The Money Charity.

Despite reports that the tipping point has been reached, with the UK’s preferred payment methods now being digital, LINK cash machines were used on average 93 times per second throughout September 2018. That works out at over 8 million transactions every day and 240 million uses throughout the month.

Cash machines remain a valuable business in 2018, with the value of LINK transactions being £10.3 billion in September 2018 (an average of £43 per transaction.) This amount compares with £10.9 billion two years ago in September 2016, representing a much smaller fall than may have otherwise been expected. In September 2018, LINK cash transactions were worth £343.2 million per day.

While striking numbers in themselves, it should also be noted that the LINK numbers do not include transactions or withdrawals made by customers at their own banks or building societies. With LINK cash withdrawals representing around 77% of the total cash withdrawals in the UK, the total number of cash machine uses will actually be considerably higher.

Payment technologies continue to develop at a rate, but in a context where an average credit card interest rate in August 2018 is 18.38%, significantly above the Bank of England Base Rate (and a gap which has widened substantially in recent years), the overall picture painted is that people simply are not yet ready to dispense with cash.

Michelle Highman, Chief Executive of The Money Charity says:

“These numbers show the persisting popularity for cash, despite the considerable rise of card, mobile and online payments. There are many reasons why people still prefer cash. Some find it easier to budget this way, others like the anonymity it offers, while many see the physical security of cash as a backup to electronic systems which can fail or where these methods are not available.

“For all these reasons, we believe demand for cash will continue at a high level for some time yet. At a time when many discussions and consultations are taking place to consider the future of cash, we will continue to engage vocally in these forums, highlighting that it is the responsibility of the industry and regulators to ensure that cash coverage continues, and that we do not see the emergence of ‘cash deserts’ in certain rural areas, small towns and suburbs.”

Other key points from the October Money Statistics:

Consumer credit lending in the year to August 2018 increased by £219.32 for every adult in the UK.

Average student debt for the 2016 cohort in England is £32,220.

The average interest rate on an instant access saving account in August 2018 was 0.2%.

Get the full picture and many more fascinating facts about money in the UK in our monthlyMoney Statistics.

Notes to Editors

The Money Charity is the UK’s leading financial capability charity. We believe that being on top of your money means you are more in control of your life, your finances and your debts, reducing stress and hardship. And that being on top of your money increases your wellbeing, helps you achieve your goals and live a happier more positive life as a result. Our vision is for everyone to be on top of their money as a part of everyday life. We empower people across the UK to build the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, to make the most of their money throughout their lives. Find out more at https://themoneycharity.org.uk/

All statistics are from the latest available data at the time of writing/release.

You may use any of the statistics quoted in this release, or within The Money Statistics, as long as:

o You don’t make any commercial or financial gain from their use; and

o You acknowledge The Money Charity as the providers of the information.